Michael Earl Royal, 72, born August 12, 1950 in Tampa, Fl to Earl Royal and Hazel (ne Brown) has passed away on May 24th, 2023 in Sarasota, Fl due to complications of Alzheimer’s.

Michael started playing the piano at a young age under the guidance of Jacques Abrams and was heavily influenced by Ravel, Debussy, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Bill Evans to name a few. He has played extensively over the years around the world and with legendary talents such as Red Rodney, Mel Lewis, Clifford Jordan, George Garzone, Larry Coryell, Emily Remler, Ira Sullivan, and Mark Murphy in addition to his own groups including The Michael Royal Trio.

He played with a great many musicians from Los Angelos to Western NY, Tokyo and all over Europe, but was grounded in the Sarasota area and throughout Florida over the past 6 decades. He was well known and loved in the jazz community for his eclectic style and improvisational skills on top of his own contributions to festivals and fundraisers. He enjoyed teaching, recording, mentoring, and influenced many budding musicians who appreciated his unique approach and adored him.

He is survived by his daughter Lea and son, Michael, his brother Harold, sister Tracey, niece Alexandra Bruckner, ex-wife Katherine Able, Bonnie Cook and a great many more and he now joins his nephew, Andrew Bruckner.

On a future time and date, he shall be cremated with an intimate sunset service to follow. In addition, there will be a celebration of life for the vast amount of family, friends, musicians and appreciators to fondly remember his unforgettable and passionate contribution to the jazz and classical world.

Please use https://everloved.com/life-of… - for those dates to come and please share any and all photos, memories and experiences for all to enjoy. His large impact on the music world and love of literature, spirituality, art, romance, animals and philosophy will be deeply missed as he firmly believed in the power of love, regardless of the fact you couldn’t tell him what to play at a gig, 

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